Thursday, November 16th, 2023

Dear Friend,

I am deeply humbled and honored to continue my service on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors representing Franconia District for another four-year term. If you have questions, concerns, or issues that you would like assistance with please reach out to my office. It is important that we hear from the residents in our district. We value your input and collaboration as we work together to foster a strong community for all to enjoy and flourish.

I also want to share my statement about the FBI Headquarters:

Last week when I first heard that the GSA didn’t select Springfield for its FBI headquarters, I was surprised and disappointed. I agreed with the selection committee’s choice of the Springfield, Virginia site and unfortunately this was overruled by a political appointee. When the selection criteria changed during the process to include an equity component, I was confident that would add to the other reasons why Springfield, Virginia would be selected as the best location for the FBI headquarters. The Franconia District in Fairfax County, where the Springfield site is located, is a majority-minority district with 22% Hispanic/Latino, 18.9% Black, and 16% Asian residents. When looking at economic disparity, 19.9% of residents have incomes under $50,000 and 42.7% of residents have incomes under $100,000.

I agree with Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Gerry Connolly, and the rest of the Virginia delegation that Virginia was the best choice for this headquarters. I look forward to hearing the findings from the upcoming Inspector General investigation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office.

Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov

Phone 703-971-6262

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Table of Contents

10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive
FAIRFAX CONNECTOR Proposed June 2024 Service Changes - Virtual Meeting 11/16
All About Recycling - What You Need to Know
Get Your Child's Immunizations Up-to-Date 11/17
County Staff Temporarily Shelve Proposal to Discontinue Vacuum Leaf Service
George Mason University is Your Top Source for Talent
High School Students: Enter the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Competition
Practice Safe Cooking This Thanksgiving
Stuff the Bus - Virtually by 11/30

Out and About

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Congressional Delegation Reception
Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue Coat Giveaway with Operation Warm
Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School and Edison High School Visits
Veterans Day Ceremony at Fort Belvoir
Lewis Leadership Exhibition of Learning

10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive

The Victim Services Division remains dedicated to assisting child victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence, as well as those who have lost a loved one to homicide. Many of these children are unable to enjoy the holiday celebrations due to the financial strain on their family resulting from being victims of crime. In the genuine spirit of the season, we invite you to join us in bringing holiday cheer to these resilient children by participating in our 10^th Annual Gift Card drive.

From now until Saturday, December 16, 2023, we are actively seeking gift cards for our young and teenage child victims. These cards can be for establishments such as Giant, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, local restaurants, and clothing stores. Gift cards empower parents and guardians to actively engage in purchasing gifts and essential items for each child that they might otherwise go without.

Please drop off or Mail Gift Cards to Saly Fayez, 12099 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035

Your generous donation of gift cards will make a significant impact on families most affected by crime, bringing smiles to the faces of children who have endured challenging experiences due to the violence they witnessed or experienced themselves. Each child selected for the holiday gift card drive has been vetted by their assigned Victim Specialist and has been personally affected by crime. Every family we choose truly represents those in need. Some will use the gift cards to buy toys and other gifts, while others will invest them in winter clothing for the children or use them to buy food for their holiday meals.

We sincerely appreciate your support in advance. Your generosity will illuminate the eyes and hearts of our child victims, bringing immense joy, and, most importantly, making a positive impact this holiday season.

For more information, contact Saly Fayez.

FAIRFAX CONNECTOR Proposed June 2024 Service Changes - Virtual Meeting 11/16

Please join the community meeting to discuss the proposed June 2024 Connector Service Changes. The virtual meeting is Thursday Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Details are available here.

All About Recycling: What You Need to Know About Reusing Waste

Learn what you can and can't recycle.
Fairfax Recycles Day takes place annually on Nov. 15.
Our Solid Waste Management program collects recycling from approximately 10% of county residences.
Recycling and food scraps can be dropped off at the I-95 Landfill Complex and the I-66 Transfer Station; glass can be recycled at several locations.

Read here to learn: All About Recycling: What You Need to Know About Reusing Waste | News Center (fairfaxcounty.gov)

Get Your Child's Immunizations Up-To-Date

There are two more extended-hours clinics for school-age children to catch up on school-required immunizations.

• Friday, Nov. 17, 1 to 6 p.m., Springfield Clinic

Make an appointment or walk in

County Staff Temporarily Shelve Proposal to Discontinue Vacuum Leaf Service

A staff proposal to discontinue vacuum leaf service after the upcoming season has been postponed until at least the 2025-2026 season. To learn more about the decision to temporarily shelve the proposal, visit here.

George Mason University is Your Source for Top Talent

Is your business looking to hire employees or interns? George Mason University’s Career Services provides you access to well-qualified applicants. Mason students and alumni possess the latest industry knowledge and in-demand transferrable and technical skills. Post your job/internship, attend a career fair, or interview students on campus at https://careers.gmu.edu/employers.

High School Students: Enter the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Competition

Are you a student with an idea for a product or application that will make life easier or more enjoyable for an older adult? The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is issuing a challenge to high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. Initial project proposals are due by December 15. Cash prizes will be awarded by sponsor, INTEGRITYOne Partners. Learn more about the “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge.

Did you know Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving Day has more than three times the daily average for such incidents. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department wants you to have a safe and happy holiday. Please help prevent an unexpected visit to your home from our firefighters on Thanksgiving Day!

Please take a moment to review the below Cooking And Kitchen Safety Tips so that you can come up with a recipe for Thanksgiving success!

Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.
Keep things that can catch fire such as dish towels, curtains, or paper, at least three feet away from the stove.
Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
Turn pot handles inward, facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills.
Potholders or oven mitts prevent burns when handling hot dishes.
Regularly clean your cooking equipment so that there are no cooking materials, food items or grease accumulation.
Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not remove the lid until it is completely cool.
If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Have the oven serviced before you use it again.

Make sure the smoke alarms in your home are working. Test them by pushing the test button. Also make sure you have a home fire escape plan in case of fire.

STUFF THE BUS - Virtually

Help feed Fairfax County families in need without leaving the house. This year, giving has never been easier as the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus campaign has gone virtual. Individuals and community groups can make monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County through November 30th.

Learn more and help Stuff the Bus virtually.

Out and About

Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) Congressional Delegation Reception

As Vice Chair of Metropolitan Council of Governments, I was honored to attend the congressional reception and hear from Senators Warner and Kaine.

I want to thank Willie F. Bailey for organizing this year's coat give-away in the Alexandria area. For over 20 years, he's served our community through his non-profit, Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue. This year they collected over 2000 coats that were distributed to over 50 schools and nonprofits! I also want to thank Fire Station 11, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Fairfax County Police Department.

To help keep our community warm, tax-deductible donations can be made here.

I recently visited Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School. I really enjoyed meeting all the students and the lively discussion I had with the 4th grade classroom about my job as Supervisor.

Did you know that Mount Vernon Woods Elementary Schools is one of three community schools in Fairfax County and the only community school in Franconia District? You can learn more about community schools here.

I was thrilled to visit Thomas A. Edison High School for the Global STEM Challenges Program Presentations by the 11th grade STEM cohort. They have been busy working on their Air Mobility Project the past several weeks. Students presented their designs and showed how they used their understanding of kinematics, forces, piecewise functions, and derivatives to address their chosen issue. Congratulations and well done!

Lewis Leadership Exhibition of Learning

I was proud to attend the first Lewis Leadership Exhibition of Learning. I enjoyed hearing from students and teachers, who came together to share their change ideas.

Veterans Day Observance

I was honored to attend Fort Belvoir's Veterans Day Observance last week, hosted by COL Messina, Commander of USAG Fort Belvoir.

I honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of all the extraordinary service members who have served our country. Thank you for your service.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor

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